Southampton will be looking to continue their stunning recent form on Saturday afternoon, when they host Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s.
Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Watford in the FA Cup, means it is now 24 games unbeaten in all competitions for Russell Martin‘s side.
However, attention now turns back to the all important issue of a Championship promotion charge.
Huddersfield Town meanwhile, are battling to avoid relegation at the other end of the table. One man though, who is clearly backing Southampton for another win, is David Prutton.
David Prutton ‘can’t see anyone stopping the Saints’
Southampton go into this weekend’s round of fixtures second in the table. They are currently 11 points behind league leaders Leicester.
More importantly, they are a point clear of the play-off places. Another with here could therefore be vital, to remain on track for automatic promotion.
For their part, Huddersfield Town will be going into this one on a high. The Terriers battered relegation and Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 last time out. That came in the club’s first game since sacking Darren Moore as manager.
Prutton though, believes Southampton will be too much for their visitors at the weekend.
Writing about the game in his regular predictions column for Sky Sports, the former Saints midfielder said:
“Southampton have taken the bull by the horns and they are now well in pole position for that second spot behind Leicester. To think where they were after that nightmare run in September, and they haven’t lost a game since. It is pretty remarkable.
“Huddersfield parted company with Darren Moore last week and responded with an emphatic thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday. It was a terrific result and it will give them some confidence, but this is a totally different prospect. I can’t see anyone stopping the Saints right now.”
Prutton predicts a 2-0 win for Southampton.
Another must-win for Southampton
You do get the feeling that this is very much a game that Southampton ought to be winning. The Saints go into this one in fine form, having swept aside all before them in recent months.
They are also playing on home soil in this one, which should not be forgotten either. Southampton’s form at St Mary’s has been getting better and better recently, and they are both scoring frequently and barely conceding when playing at home.
Admittedly, Huddersfield Town did pick up a very impressive win over Sheffield Wednesday in their last game. That though, was against a side low on confidence, and battling to avoid relegation.
The Terriers themselves are in a similar position despite that win. Consequently, a side such as Southampton who are chasing promotion to the Premier League, should have more than enough to overcome this challenge.
Indeed, if they do not do that, you feel there will be plenty of questions to be asked about where things went wrong here.
As a result, you get the feeling this ought to be another enjoyable day for those of a Southampton persuasion when they come up against Huddersfield Town.
Read also; ‘We have to….’ Sheffield United Manager’s Future Aspirations Following Talks with Owner and CEO
